Dads and kids benefit from new FaHCSIA program

19.08.2011

Today the Parliamentary Secretary Julie Collins launched the new FaHCSIA Family Support Program at a Dad’s group at Good Beginnings, a national charity building better outcomes for children in vulnerable communities through effective early intervention programs.

Speaking at the launch, Parliamentary Secretary Julie Collins commented: “What a wonderful group and it is a pleasure to visit this Good Beginnings program. It is so welcoming and great to meet the Dads – a group really worth funding.”

Dads and their children came together to celebrate the launch of the new Family Support Program with Good Beginnings staff. This regular group provides an opportunity for fathers to come together with their children to receive support, friendship, and to learn more about their child’s needs. The children also benefit from the opportunity to socialise with other children and learn through play.  The playgroup operates on Friday mornings at the Good Beginnings Hobart Early Years Centre.

With core funding from FaHCSIA (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs) Good Beginnings have been delivering programs in Tasmania for almost 15 years. The Dad’s playgroup has been operating for over 10 of these.

The participants lead the group with support from a Good Beginnings “Dad’s Connect” family support worker. The fathers come from a variety of backgrounds with children who have all types of needs (including special needs). Over the past 6 months 34 dads and 37 children have accessed the group. It is the flexibility of the new Family Support Program from FaHCSIA that will allow this and many other innovative Good Beginnings programs to continue growing to meet community need.

“The Family Support Program provides Good Beginnings with the funding to offer such innovative programs, and this sparks the many connections that help connect the community together,” said Jayne Meyer Tucker, Chief Executive Officer of Good Beginnings.

Good Beginnings programs seek to build parental capacity, ranging from supported playgroups to at-home volunteer visiting, fathering initiatives and intensive family support. Good Beginnings’ vision is a good beginning for every child.

Good Beginnings programs and services include:

• Child and Family Centres across Australia
• Partnerships with 28 primary schools providing a community service hub for programs
• Targeted support programs such as Learn2Grow, Contact Play & Learn, Play2Grow and Parents+Plus
• Parent education and support groups
• Home-based volunteer and intensive family support

To learn more about Good Beginnings, go to www.goodbeginnings.org.au.

Contact Information
Ph: 02 9211 6767
Email: enquiries@goodbeginnings.org.au